The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) – the state department responsible for asylum, immigration, citizenship and visas – has contracted automated border control (ABC) specialist Vision-Box to deploy biometric ABC eGates at Dublin Airport.

The project involves the installation of 10 eGates at Dublin Airport Terminal 1 (T1) and 10 eGates at Terminal 2 (T2), plus supporting solutions. INIS awarded Vision-Box the contract after an open tender competition. Vision-Box had proved its value to INIS and Dublin Airport in the past with a successful three-year pilot using its vb i-match ABC eGate solution. The full deployment of the biometric solution will now create a visible clearance option for passengers holding eligible e-passports or the Irish Passport Identification Cards.

Additionally, the availability of eGates, combined with a faster processing capability, will add capacity to the airport and offer a more positive effect on passenger experience.

Charlie Flanagan, Ireland’s minister for justice and equality, said, “The introduction of the eGates will greatly enhance immigration controls and border security, while at the same time providing an improved passenger experience through the immigration process.”

Miguel Leitmann, CEO of Vision-Box, said, “The adoption of ABC eGates, initially at Dublin Airport’s port of entry, immediately places Ireland at the forefront of countries creating more secure borders through the use of innovative and reliable biometric border control technology.

“However, automated border control is just a first step in modernizing the Irish borders. This framework agreement with INIS strengthened our commitment to work collaboratively in more cutting-edge initiatives toward tight security, efficient border control operations and seamless travel.”